Ferritin tests for iron levels

Having a ferritin iron test

A blood sample will be taken, usually from your arm. You might be asked not to eat, and to only drink water, for 12 hours before your blood is taken.

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What do my results mean?

Your results will be compared to a reference range. Sometimes called a “normal range”. You can find out more about reference ranges here. 

A low ferritin level means you do not have enough iron stored in your body. This can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

High ferritin can be caused by some types of liver disease. Including haemochromatosis .

But other things can also increase ferritin levels. Doctors will need to look at the results of other tests as well to make a diagnosis.

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Support for you

The British Liver Trust offers a range of support for people with a liver condition and those closest to them. This includes support groups and an online forum. Support for you.

You can also call or email our helpline. Our friendly team of specialist liver nurses cannot give you a diagnosis or interpret test results. But they can answer questions, offer support, or just listen.

Call the helpline on 0800 652 7330 or find out more here.

We also have lots of information about living with a liver condition:

• Liver blood tests (LFT)
• Tests for liver conditions
• Take our free online screener
• Liver conditions A to Z
• Useful words glossary
• Living with a liver condition
• Eating, drinking and keeping active
• Mental health

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Special thanks

We would like to thank everyone with lived experience of liver disease tests who helped with these pages. Including Jennifer Voller.

Also, Professor Stephen Ryder, consultant hepatologist at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust and Dr Laura-Jane Armstrong, Associate GP, Avonside Health Centre, for reviewing this page.

Published: July 2025

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